Estate Management Officer

SECTION 1: THE ROLE The Estate Management Officer is a customer facing role in the Housing Directorate and plays a key role in the management of tenant relationships and the development and support of Resident Associations within a social housing context.

The appointee will work extensively with clients, internal functions in Housing and other sections within Cork County Council and with other state agencies such as An Garda Síochána, Department of Social Protection, HSE, social workers, Approved Housing Bodies, disability representative bodies, etc.

The work of an Estate Management Officer requires that employees in the role function in a flexible manner and work effectively as part of a team to deliver required outcomes or outputs. Their duties are varied and can involve assignment to different areas of work as services require.

Appointees will be required to carry out their duties with an understanding of the political context of local government, and in a manner that enhances public trust and confidence and ensures impartial decision making.

SECTION 2: DUTIES: The duties may include but are not limited to the following and the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

• Investigating tenancy breaches and complaints of anti-social behaviour in accordance with the provisions of the Housing Acts.

• Encouraging greater tenant participation in estates by assisting with the establishment of residents associations and, when set up, providing them with advice and support.

• Maintaining linkages with other agencies and developing an integrated approach to the creation of a cohesive, coherent and effective Estate Management policy.

• Liaising with An Garda Siochana, HSE and other organisations in developing a multi-agency approach to dealing with Anti-Social Behaviour

• Attending Court on behalf of Cork County Council, when required.

• Attending pre tenancy and estate management meetings.

• Performing Tenant Liaison duties.

• Any other duties that may be assigned under this role.

SECTION 3: ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA / QUALIFICATIONS

(a) have a good general standard of education; (b) have proven and relevant experience in administrative procedures including practical experience of work of an administrative nature, office organisation and control of staff; (c) possess a satisfactory knowledge of the functions and duties of local authorities; and (d) possess a satisfactory knowledge and experience of office organisation. (e) Experience in dealing with anti-social behaviour and estate management issues, community groups, residents’ associations, social housing and related areas is desirable.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with tenants, residents’ associations, colleagues, and external agencies, and to handle sensitive or challenging situations professionally.

• Experience in conflict resolution and problem-solving, particularly in dealing with complaints, tenancy breaches, and anti-social behaviour in a fair, balanced, and evidence-based manner.

• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal departments and external stakeholders such as An Garda Síochána, HSE, and community organisations.

• Good organisational and administrative skills, including experience in managing caseloads, maintaining accurate records, and working within established procedures and policies.

• Analytical and decision-making ability, with the capacity to assess complex situations, interpret relevant information, and make sound recommendations.

• Customer-focused approach, with a commitment to delivering high-quality public services and supporting tenant participation and community development.

• Knowledge of housing legislation and local authority functions, particularly in relation to estate management and social housing (or the ability to quickly acquire such knowledge).

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, demonstrating flexibility, initiative, and a proactive approach to achieving objectives.

• Report writing and presentation skills, including the ability to prepare documentation for court proceedings, meetings, and internal reporting.

• Full driving licence and willingness to travel, as the role requires regular on-site visits and engagement within communities.

SECTION 4: COMPETENCIES A Competency Based Application form requires you to describe some of your personal achievements to date that demonstrate certain competencies (necessary skills and qualities) required for the position for which you are applying. For each competency, you are given a description of a skill or quality. You are then asked to describe a situation, from your own experience, which you think is the best example of what YOU have done which demonstrates this skill or quality.

It is essential that you describe how you demonstrated the skill or quality in question. Therefore, compose your replies carefully in this section and try to structure what you write so that you give specific information about what you have done - for example, do not simply say that “X was successful”, describe exactly what you did and how you demonstrated the skill or quality in question.

For each example please include the following: a) the nature of the task, problem or objective; b) what you actually did and how you demonstrated the skill or quality (and, where appropriate, the date you demonstrated it) c) the outcome or result of the situation and your estimate of the proportion of credit you can claim for the outcome.

The information you present in your application may form part of a shortlisting process and may also be used to help structure your interview, should you be invited to one. A shortlisting process may be applied based on TWO or more of the competencies and on other information you provide in your application form.

Please note that, should you be called to interview, the board may look for additional examples of where you demonstrated the Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Competencies required for this post, so you should think of a number of examples of where you demonstrated each of the skills.

A candidate must possess the following competencies:-

Analysis & Decision Making

• Effectively deals with a wide range of information sources, investigating all relevant issues.

• Understands the practical implication of information in relation to the broader context in which s/he works – procedures, divisional objectives etc.

• Identifies and understands key issues and trends.

• Correctly extracts & interprets numerical information, conducting accurate numerical calculations.

• Draws accurate conclusions & makes balanced and fair recommendations backed up with evidence.

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

• Modifies communication approach to suit the needs of a situation/audience.

• Actively listens to the views of others.

• Liaises with other groups to gain co-operation.

• Negotiates, where necessary, in order to reach a satisfactory outcome.

• Maintains a focus on dealing with customers in an effective, efficient and respectful manner.

• Is assertive and professional when dealing with challenging issues.

• Expresses self in clear and articulate manner when speaking and in writing.

Delivery of Results

• Takes ownership of tasks and is determined to see them through to a satisfactory conclusion.

• Is logical and pragmatic in approach, setting objectives and delivering the best possible results with the resources available through effective prioritisation.

• Constructively challenges existing approaches to improve efficient customer service delivery.

• Accurately estimates time parameters for projects, making contingencies to overcome obstacles.

• Minimises errors, reviewing learning and ensuring remedies are in place.

• Maximises the input of own team in ensuring effective delivery of results.

• Ensures proper service delivery procedures/protocols/reviews are in place and implemented.

Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development

• Displays high levels of skill/expertise in own area and provides guidance to colleagues.

• Has a clear understanding of the role, objectives and targets and how they support the service delivered by the unit and Department/Organisation and can communicate to the team.

• Leads by example, demonstrating the importance of development by setting time aside for development initiatives for self and the team.

SECTION 5: TENURE

The position is permanent and fulltime. The post is pensionable. Panels may be formed to fill vacancies for Estate Management Officer that may arise during the lifetime of the panel.

SECTION 6: SALARY The Salary scale for the post is: €36,113 - €55,460 per annum €36,113 - €38,240 - €41,259 - €43,241 - €44,975 - €46,653 - €48,917 - €50,557 - €52,239 - (Maximum), €53,829 (1st LSI) (after 3 years satisfactory service on the Maximum), €55,460 (2nd LSI) (after 3 years satisfactory service on the 1st LSI).

Entry point to this scale will be determined in accordance with Circulars issued by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. In accordance with Departmental Circular letter EL 02/2011, a person who is not a serving local authority employee on or after 1st January 2011, will enter the scale for the position at a minimum point.

Rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government Policy.

SECTION 7: ASSIGNMENT / LOCATION OF POST The initial vacancy is based at County Hall, Cork, however Cork County Council reserves the right to assign you to any department, premises or district in use by the Council, now or in the future. Changes in location of employment will not result in payment of disturbance money or compensation.

SECTION 8: WORKING HOURS The working hours at present provide for a five-day, thirty-five hour working week. A flexible working hours’ system is in operation and may be availed of subject to the terms and conditions of the Flexitime Policy.

SECTION 9: ANNUAL LEAVE The current annual leave entitlement is 30 days per annum. Cork County Council’s leave year runs from 1st January to 31st December. Granting of annual leave, payment for annual leave and arrangements for public holidays will be governed by the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997(as amended).